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Volunteer on the Norfolk Trails
There are lots of ways you can help us look after the Norfolk Trails, such as: adopting a stretch of trail and walking it three times a year to check for any problems, setting up a new geocaching trail, or even getting stuck in and helping with practical work.
You don't need any specific qualifications or previous experience. All you need is enthusiasm, some free time and an enjoyment of the great outdoors.
Even if you've never done anything like this before it doesn't matter. Everyone is welcome.
As a volunteer you'll be supported by Norfolk Trails staff, who will be able to answer any queries you may have.
If you are interested in volunteering with us, fill in our online form and let us know which trail or area you would like to work on.
Current roles
The main contribution is the vital role of carrying out regular inspections of the route.
Each trail and its circular walks have been divided into equally sized sections for monitoring. A volunteer adopts one or more sections and inspects these a minimum of four times a year (once a season). The sections are shared with several volunteers, so together the route can be inspected every month.
After each inspection we ask that the volunteer sends in a simple report form to the Norfolk Trails office as a record and so we can enact any repairs needed. This allows us to deal with any repairs quickly and effectively.
Volunteers are also encouraged to take photographs and make notes on the surrounding landscape and any wildlife they encounter. This additional information is really useful in monitoring the landscape of the route. Monitoring the route is a great way for volunteers to enjoy the local countryside and be involved in caring for it.
As well as monitoring, there are always opportunities for volunteers to get involved in practical activities. These can include repairing signs, stiles, fences, surfaces, boardwalks and vegetation cutting.
Some small scale repairs are done by individuals, or with a member of staff, where an extra pair of hands is invaluable.
Other activities are carried out in supervised groups. These group activities are planned for different days of the week to suit and are generally held in the summer.
At Norfolk Trails we have already set up several series of Geocaching.
If this is something that you are particularly interested in helping us develop, get in touch as we need help in the creation of new Geocache series, and monitoring and maintaining of existing ones.
Volunteers tell us that they enjoy being a part of these activities, outside in the countryside and making a difference.
There are a number of office activities available to volunteers. These include information provision and helping to edit the Volunteer Newsletter.
As with all the activities, the volunteer time and roles are flexible and offer an opportunity to share ideas and be a part of the Norfolk Trails team.